The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Robert I. Paine (MCSN: 354984), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the First Marine Raider Battalion during the attack against enemy Japanese forces on Tulagi, Solomon Islands on August 7, 1942. As a member of a small detachment ordered to envelop a hostile machine gun position, Private Paine, although exposed to severe small arms fire, persisted in his advance against the enemy until he was killed. By his grim determination and great personal valor he contributed to the final destruction of the hostile machine gun unit and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.